Applications are now open for the 2027 cohort of the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship. Hosted by the Dunin-Deshpande Innovation Centre (DDQIC) at Queen’s University in Canada, this free, fully virtual eight-month program equips African students and recent graduates with the skills, mentorship, resources, and funding opportunities needed to turn entrepreneurial ideas into scalable ventures that deliver social and financial impact.
The application deadline is December 1st, 2026. Interested candidates can apply directly through the official Queen’s University portal.
Program Overview
Named after Jim Leech and supported by the Mastercard Foundation, the fellowship has trained more than 8,000 early-stage entrepreneurs from over 45 African countries over the past five years. Participants report high satisfaction, with 97% recommending the program to others. It uses the Disciplined Entrepreneurship framework developed at MIT and focuses on practical, step-by-step venture building rather than pure theory.
The program is designed for accessibility: it is fully virtual, self-paced within phase deadlines, and adapted for limited internet access, mobile devices, and French-speaking participants. Content is primarily in English, with mentorship available in English and French. Assignments and pitches must be completed in English, though non-fluent applicants can form teams or seek local language support.
Who Can Apply
Eligibility is broad and inclusive:
- Current students or recent graduates (within five years of graduation) from any post-secondary institution in Africa.
- Applicants from all academic disciplines.
- Individuals at any stage of the entrepreneurial journey whether exploring a new idea or already building a venture.
- Strong preference for those committed to developing an entrepreneurial mindset, willing to dedicate at least 10 hours per week, and ready to use the program’s resources fully.
Women are actively encouraged to apply. The program has achieved 55% female participation and improved retention through flexible learning options. Citizenship of an African country is required.
Program Structure and Timeline
The fellowship runs in three progressive phases, typically spanning January to August:
Phase 1: Explore (January–February)
Over 1,000 selected candidates gain access to curated online entrepreneurship courses and complete the first 11 steps of the Disciplined Entrepreneurship workbook. Focus areas include identifying customers, validating problems through interviews, ideating solutions, and mapping user journeys. Participants demonstrate commitment by meeting milestones.
Phase 2: Ignite (March–April)
Around 180 finalists advance based on performance. They complete remaining framework steps, develop go-to-market channels, create business models, build simple prototypes, and validate assumptions through experiments. At the end of this phase, participants pitch their ideas; the strongest advance to the final fellowship stage.
Phase 3: Launch and Fellowship (May–August)
Up to 60 Fellows join an intensive summer incubation program. They receive dedicated coaching, mentorship from industry leaders and entrepreneurs, a stipend of $500 CAD or USD 350 in recent cycles, and opportunities for seed funding. Weekly “3-2-1” pitch presentations track progress. Fellows pilot solutions, generate customer interest, and plan for scale. The phase culminates in a pitch competition offering prizes of up to $15,000 CAD.
Graduation (August)
Fellows complete the incubation and continue receiving post-program support, networking opportunities, and pitch chances within the DDQIC network. High performers may return as mentors or ambassadors for future cohorts.
Key Benefits
- Training: Business Bootcamps led by Queen’s faculty and industry experts, pitch coaching, workshops on marketing, goal-setting, and recruiting, plus micro-credentials in entrepreneurship from Queen’s University (verifiable digital badges with blockchain IDs).
- Mentorship & Networking: Pairing with program coaches, access to a global network of Queen’s entrepreneurial alumni, and matching with industry leaders in the final phase. Mentors have included successful African founders.
- Financial Support: Stipend for final-phase Fellows and competitive pitch prizes up to $15,000 CAD. Opportunities may include travel to the DDQIC campus.
- Community & Impact: Join a cohort of thousands of African peers. Past outcomes include 84% of 2023 participants hiring at least one youth, a 100% increase in participants with paying customers, and ventures addressing Sustainable Development Goals such as No Poverty, Good Health & Well-Being, and Decent Work and Economic Growth.
Recent 2026 Fellows have launched ventures in poultry farming, eco-bricks from recycled plastics, value-added potato products, and black soldier fly protein feed, winning thousands of dollars in pitch prizes.
How to Apply
1. Interested Applicants can apply using the Link provided 👉 Here
2. Applicants are to complete the online application form available via the “Apply By December 1, 2026” link.
3. Submit before the deadline. No application fees apply—the program and application process are completely free.
4. Official communications come only from jimleechfellowship@queensu.ca. Be cautious of fraud; Queen’s University has issued advisories on scams targeting international students.
Virtual information sessions are typically hosted after applications open to answer questions and share expectations. Check the official site or Nigeria Chapter (facilitated by Future Perspectives) and other local partners for session details.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Africa’s young population represents enormous entrepreneurial potential, yet many face barriers to structured training, mentorship, and early-stage capital. The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship bridges that gap with a proven, inclusive model that has already supported thousands of founders. By combining rigorous methodology with practical support, it helps participants move from idea to validated, scalable venture while building networks that last beyond the program.
If you are an African student or recent graduate with an idea or the desire to develop one that can create positive change, this is a high-value, no-cost opportunity worth pursuing. Applications close December 1, 2026. Prepare early, review the eligibility criteria carefully, and submit a strong application highlighting your commitment and problem-solving vision.
For the latest details, FAQs, and the application link, always refer to the official Queen’s University Dunin-Deshpande Innovation Centre website.
